Bibelkommentare

And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.

And Joshua rose early in the morning, — viz., Of the ninth day of the first month, called Abib; as on the tenth day Joshua 4:19 - which was the day wherein the paschal lamb was set apart - the Israelites entered the land of Canaan under the command and conduct of Joshua, who was a type of Jesus Christ, by whom we have "the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:14

Removed from Shittim. — In the plains of Moab. See Joshua 2:1 .

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And it came to pass after three days, that the officers went through the host;

After three days, — i.e., Three days after that they were commanded to provide victuals. A mandato illo de parando viatico. - Trem. Joshua 1:11

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And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.

When ye see the ark of the covenant. — Which represented that angel of the covenant, Christ Jesus.

And the priests the Levites bearing it. — The Koathites properly and ordinarily did this office, Numbers 3:31 which as it had more honour, so more burden and danger. Numbers 4:15

“ Fructus honos oneris, fructus honoris onus. ”

And go after it. — God must and may be followed without peril. Magnus est animus qui se Deo tradidit, saith Seneca.

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Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed [this] way heretofore.

Yet there shall be a space. — That you may know the distance, and show your reverence. See Exodus 19:12 . As also,

That you may know the way by which you must go, — i.e., Ut ignari vice tuto vado transire possitis, that ye may have a sure and safe passage through the river discovered unto you.

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And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.

Sanctify yourselves. — By ceremonial and spiritual purifications, doing your utmost to bring your hearts to a holy temper, that ye may make the best of the ensuing miracle.

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And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.

And went before the people. — To the further side of the river, say some; to the middle only, say others, as Joshua 3:17 the pillar of cloud still going before them for a guide, as some conceive, but others doubt.

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And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee.

This day will I begin to magnify thee, — viz., In the esteem of the people. It is God that giveth honour; he fashioneth men’s opinions: he caused that "whatsoever David did pleased the people."

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And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.

Ye shall stand still in Jordan. — "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord which he will show you today," as Exodus 14:13 . Believe and prosper: consent and obey, and ye shall eat the good things of the land.

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